Can my landlord increase the rent without prior notice?
March 30, 2023 | 45,00 EUR | answered by Günther Schulz
Dear tenancy lawyer,
I am reaching out to you because I have a question regarding my rental apartment that is troubling me. My name is Isabel Keck and I am a tenant of an apartment in the city center. So far, I have always paid my rent on time and had no problems with my landlord.
However, my landlord has unexpectedly informed me that he wants to increase the rent. He did not give me any prior notice and I feel caught off guard by this decision. I have researched and found out that my landlord has the right to increase the rent in principle, but he must announce it in advance and in writing.
My concern is that I may not be able to afford the increased rent as I am currently not in a good financial situation. I wonder if my landlord has the right to increase the rent without notice and if there are ways to challenge this. I would like to know what legal steps I can take in this situation and if there is a way to prevent the rent increase.
I hope you can assist me in this matter and provide me with information about my rights as a tenant. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Isabel Keck
Dear Mrs. Keck,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the rent increase that your landlord has unexpectedly and without prior notice implemented. I understand that this situation is very distressing for you, and I will do my best to assist you in this matter.
In general, a landlord has the right to increase the rent. However, they must do so in a timely manner and in writing. An increase without prior notice is usually not legal. In your case, it seems that your landlord has violated this regulation.
If your landlord has increased the rent without prior notice, you can take action against it. You have the right not to pay the increased rent and to inform your landlord in writing that you do not accept the increase. You may also consider a rent reduction if the increased rent is financially unreasonable for you.
As a tenant, you have various legal options that you can pursue in this situation. You can seek advice from a tenants' association or a lawyer specializing in rental law to get guidance and to enforce your rights. A lawyer can help you file a complaint against the rent increase and, if necessary, take legal action to prevent the increase.
It is important that you act promptly and not be intimidated. As a tenant, you have rights that must be upheld. I recommend that you seek professional assistance to be best represented in this matter.
I hope this information is helpful to you and supports you in your situation. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, I am happy to assist.
Sincerely,
Günther Schulz
Rental Law Attorney
